Gresey: Chronicle launches redesigned website

Featuring “responsive” design, the new website was created to provide readers with an improved user experience on their desktop, smartphone or tablet.

Now, those who visit www.kcchronicle.com on any device will notice that the display on their screen adjusts appropriately to the device they are using.

The website still places a priority on local news, photography and videography. And registered users of the site still sign in online by clicking on the link in the upper righthand corner of the site’s home page.

In addition to emphasizing photography, the new site has story pages that include more opportunities for readers to access our top news stories without having to hit the back button.

Lastly – and possibly most importantly for our regular story commenters – is a change in the site’s commenting system.

Readers must register and create a profile with www.livefyre.com to be able to comment on stories, opinion pieces and other items on www.kcchronicle.com. Livefyre does offer the opportunity to register and create a profile with an existing social media account, such as Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn.

This registration is different than any registration readers might already have done through www.kcchronicle.com.

Features in the new commenting system allow story-commenters to respond directly to a comment in a thread and allow for better self-policing of the comments section.

Users can flag comments as offensive, off-topic or as spam. If a comment is flagged enough times, it becomes hidden to users and subject to review. Commenters also can “like” a comment similar to “liking” a post on Facebook.

The Kane County Chronicle’s rules for posting have not changed. Repeat offenders are subject to expulsion.

However, comments are no longer restricted to 48 hours after a story publishes.

Readers don’t have to register to view comments.

Have a comment or suggestion about the new website? Feedback can be sent to me using the contact information at the end of this column.

• Kathy Gresey is editor of the Kane County Chronicle. Contact her at kgresey@shawmedia.com or 630-845-5368. Note – additional Shaw Media editors contributed to this column.